22Apr 2020 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

South Shore Quest 2020

Cohasset, Duxbury, Guide, Hingham, Scituate, Trustees of the Reservation, Weymouth, Wildlands Trust

Are you looking for a way to engage the whole family? Or just challenge yourself on a hike? You should check out the South Shore Quest! The South Shore Quest is an annual challenge to “encourage exploration of the outdoors through the use of CLUE-directed walks through local public lands and parks”. The organization was formed in 1998 and has been delivering fun ever since. Update: Historically, the quest books have been for sale for $5 at local retailers. Given the pandemic, they are posting the book for free online but asking for donations via this link. We love their enthusiasm and dedication to the cause. Consider donating via this link. The Idea Questing is an ideal activity for small groups and families, as well as individuals. By turning a...

24Nov 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Brass Kettle / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Brass Kettle Conservation trails are located off King Street in Cohasset. The land was officially acquired by the town of Cohasset in 2008 to complete the protection of Lily Pond, a primary town reservoir. The National Heritage and Endangered Species Program identifies the entire property and much of its surroundings area as core habitat for rare species. There are more than 70 species of trees and plants inhabiting this woodland as well as a wide variety of animals and birds including grouse, partridge and deer. These trails create an interesting network that starts at the parking area at the King Street trailhead, west to Wompatuck Park and then north to Whitney-Thayer Woods and Turkey Hill. The historic path, once called Great Lot Lane, linked Hingham and Cohasset and crosses two tributaries of Brass...

23Oct 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Turkey Hill / Hingham

Cohasset, Hingham, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation

Turkey Hill is a 62 acre piece of land that is managed by the Trustees of the Reservation in partnership with the Towns of Cohasset and Hingham. Turkey Hill abuts the Whitney-Thayer Woods, Wompatuck Park, and Weir River Farm. This section of the South Shore is incredibly rich with conservation land - and the opportunity to explore it. There are two direct access points to the Turkey Hill portion. The entrance on Route 3A brings visitors up through wooden paths to the base of the field. The entrance from Turkey Hill Lane in Hingham starts visitors at the highest point of the property. The 187-foot summit provides incredible views of the Boston Skyline, the Harbor, Hull and Scituate in the distance as well. A cinderblock NIKE building is all that remains...

17Oct 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Whitney Thayer Woods / Cohasset

Cohasset, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation

Whitney Thayer Woods is an 824 acre Trustees property located in Cohasset along 3A. The trail network consists of approximately 10 miles of trails through hardwood forests - some of which lead to more forests and others of which lead to incredible views of open fields or the Boston skyline. What makes this property unique are the extensive number of giant boulders left by the prior Ice Age. Some of these are small enough for kids to climb on and others might be 20 feet high. Why visit? Unlike many other trails, this Trustees property has a sizable parking lot suitable for a large group walks or just never worrying about whether you'll find a spot. The property is so vast that you could explore for hours and only see one...

30Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Sumner Smith Overlook / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Sumner Smith Overlook is a very small trail with an incredible view. Located on Cohasset Harbor, the overlook gives you a beautiful view of Cohasset and parts of Scituate. The piece of land is located along Border Street near the Cohasset Sailing Club, town pier, and the Cohasset Lighthouse Keepers house. While there is no true parking assigned to this location, you can often get away with a few minutes either at the town pier or the lot associated with the lighthouse keepers house. There is also some public parking along Border Street which would require a very short walk back to the trail and overlook. The trail itself is located along the big rock and wooded area to the left of the house. While the path is well-maintained, there...

26Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Pape Reservation / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Pape Reservation is a 10 acre piece of land located off 3A in Cohasset. The conservation area is accessible from the Cohasset Water Treatment Facility parking lot. This is a very basic trail but does include access to Lily Pond and some quiet moments in the woods. Like many Cohasset and South Shore trails, you can expect to see some significant rock formations and stone walls criss-crossing the forest. TRAILS: The trails at Pape Reservation are fairly wide and clear of brush. Largely the paths consist of even terrain - but there are some parts with significant rocks that would make using a stroller very challenging. At the time of our visit, we also noticed at least 3 trees that had fallen across the trails. Cohasset Conservation Trust normally maintains great...

18Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Ingram Park / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Ingram Park in Cohasset is a trail system on just under 30 acres of historic farm land. The land is protected and managed by the Cohasset Conservation Trust which purchased the most recent 6 acres in 2014. Eagle Scouts from Cohasset Troop 28 have been working on the planned trail system. Depending on the time of your visit, you have a high probability of seeing some wildlife. Due to our winter visit, it was evident that deer are frequent guests and we happened to come across a large family of wild turkeys. TRAILS: The trail system is very clearly marked and the trail map is accurate. Each trail offers varying geographic elements. Despite the simple network of the trails, significant boulders, roots, and smaller rocks make these trails largely impassible for strollers. POINTS...

05Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Great Brewster Woods / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Great Brewster Trail is a hidden gem located right near Cohasset Center. The trail entrance is perhaps a bit concealed which is why I have overlooked the signs for years. The trail is a phenomenal resource and such a great addition to our South Shore trail network. TRAILS: The paths are very well marked and clear of brush and tree branches. Along the path there are markers calling out certain tree species and other landmarks. The Cohasset Conservation Trust has put together an informative trail guide which is absolutely worth printing out prior to your visit. The loop trail is just over 1 mile long. POINTS OF INTEREST: Great Brewster Woods is a typical New England and South Shore site including historic stone walls, large amounts of ledge outcroppings, and streams. The trail guide...

22Feb 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Wheelright Park & Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Why to visit:There is a great network of trails called Wheelright Park that has been built out (and maybe maintained in part) by the Boy Scout troop in that town. When you visit, you'll find a heavily forested area that is teeming with birds and maybe other wildlife too. The park itself is really awesome. While the trails aren't incredibly well marked - they are in general pretty wide and the map is accurate. There was a side trail called the "Lemon Squeezer" that takes you off the main trail by a picturesque stream, old stone walls, and big holly trees. There was some historic fireplace that I passed by - like literally a fire place outside... not a fire pit. The most amazing part? In the middle of the woods there is...